Angola, Zambia push for stronger security, trade cooperation at 34th joint permanent commission meeting

The Angolan government has called for enhanced joint sensitisation efforts along the common border with Zambia to address misunderstandings and strengthen bilateral cooperation, reiterating its commitment to peaceful coexistence and good-neighbourliness. Angola’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, said his country remains anchored on a fair, balanced foreign policy and a commitment to regional stability. He made the remarks on Tuesday when he officially opened the Ministerial Meeting of the 34th Angola–Zambia Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) on Defence and Security in Luanda.

Antonio said collaboration between the two countries was vital in combating shared security threats. “Both countries need to work together to fight organised crime, illegal migration, drug trafficking and other crimes,” he said. He also raised concern over rising conflict levels in the region and said Zambia and Angola must deepen cooperation, including through the Lobito Development Corridor, while exploring additional areas of mutual interest.

Angola’s Minister of National Defence, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Fatherland, General Lucio Goncalves Amaral (Rtd), said ongoing infrastructure projects were critical to unlocking trade potential between the two neighbours. He highlighted the importance of border facilities, road networks and energy infrastructure, noting that the tarring of the Jimbe–Mwinilunga road in Zambia would significantly enhance the movement of goods and people. Meanwhile, Zambia’s Minister of Defence, Ambrose Lufuma, said Zambia remained committed to the JPC framework and broader trade agreements aimed at boosting socio-economic development.

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Lufuma said Zambia wants to see the Lobito Corridor Project, including the construction of a railway line and a fuel pipeline from Benguela to Lusaka, successfully implemented. He thanked the Angolan government for its sustained collaboration, saying stronger bilateral cooperation would accelerate development for both countries. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.

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